Box spring frame



March 12, 1963 D. T. CERVISI BOX SPRING FRAME Filed Dec. 8. 1960 8 n 1 w k w Q mi 7 r m w n 1 0 h A11 5 3. 3 2 |Y5 Mn +2 e W! INVEN TOR. DOMINIC T CERv/s1 BY A'TJ'K states ate 3,080,576 30X SPRING FRAME Dominic T. Qervisi, San Bruno, Calif, assignmto Relaxer Mattress Co., San Francisco, Calif, a corporation of California Filed Dec. 8, 1960, Ser. No. 74,625 laims. (Cl. 5-264) This invention relates to furniture supporting frames, and more particularly it relates to an improved base frame construction for box spring mattresses and the like.

One important object of my invention is to provide an improved base frame structure of the type used for supporting coiled springs in the construction of box spring mattress supports. Such mattress supports are generally springs to a preassembled base frame structure. Each spring is fixed separately at its lower end to the base frame structure, and then all of the springs are tied together at their upper ends by connecting springs or Wire to hold the coiled springs in a position relative to the base frame. The frame and attached springs may then be supplied with a layer of padding before being covered with a cloth material to complete the assembly.

In the entire box spring assembly, the base frame is the most critical structural component since it alone must provide the supporting strength and rigidity to the assembly when the mattress is in position on a bedstead. Also, a high degree of strength and rigidity of the base frame member is essential in order to hold the box spring in its proper shape during shipment and handling. In frame structures of the prior art it was necessary to attach added external frame elements in an effort to achieve adequate frame strength and rigidity. But these complicated structures still did not provide the necessary results. As with all rectangular frame structures, and particularly with supporting frame structures of the prior art, the biggest problem was in maintaining the proper rigidity and strength of the frame at its corner connections. My invention solved this problem by providing a novel corner joint structure in which the longitudinal and transverse members are joined together in overlapping engagement. In this novel arrangement of frame elements, a plurality of surfaces on each of the adjoining frame members engage with surfaces on the mating frame member, and these members can, therefore, be fastened to resist both tension and shear forces.

Another object of my invention is to provide a base frame structure for box spring mattress supports which reduces the amount of material heretofore required to construct supporting frames and which is therefore less expensive to manufacture. In the novel corner joint construction of the present invention, the longitudinal members and the connecting cross members are fitted together in relation to each other so that each supplies a portion of the overall frame dimension to its connecting member. For example, the longitudinal members are connected so that the cross members supply a portion of the overall frame length. Thus, a substantial saving is made in the length of the lumber used in each frame.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a new and improved base frame structure that can be assem led easier and more rapidly in mass production without the need for added labor and for complicated jigs and fixtures. My invention, with its novel arrangeconstructed by attaching a plurality of spiral or coiled ting surfaces for the connecting outer frame members and for the cross brace members. In assembling the frame structure, the precut longitudinal and transverse frame members abut against each other at each corner of the frame and are thus easily held in exactly the proper dimensional position for fastening during assembly of the frame.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention presented in accordance with USC 112.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a box spring frame embodying the principles of the present invention, with the coiled springs attached;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a bare base frame according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of one corner of the frame shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view in perspective of the corner section of the frame shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view in section taken along the line 55 of FIG. 3.

Referring now to the drawings, a box spring frame 10 embodying the principles of the invention is shown in FIG. 1 in combination with a set of coiled spring members 11 of the type generally used in the construction of box spring mattresses. The coiled springs 11 are attached at their bottom ends 12 at predetermined intervals along the upper surfaces of the frame structure 10 by some suitable fastening means such as staples. The individual spring members 11 are generally tied together at their .upper ends 13 by wire or connecting springs 14, after ment of preshaped elements reduces the number of structural components heretofore required in erecting a frame structure, and at the same time it produces a stronger and more rigid frame structure. Also, each of the outer frame members is formed with an integral ridge member which the mattress assembly is covered with cloth ticking and padding, (not shown). It is readily apparent that the base frame 10 is the primary structural member of the mattress assembly, and must provide the necessary rigidity and strength to the entire box spring mattress assembly when it is placed on a bedstead.

The assembled base frame 10, according to the present invention, is shown in FIG. 2 and comprises two parallel, longitudinal members 15 and 16 which are connected at their ends to transverse end members 17 and 18. Also connected parallel to the end frame members 17 and 18 are cross brace members 19 which are spaced along and connected at their ends to the longitudinal members 15 and 16.

The frame 10, as with most furniture frame structures, is preferably constructed from wood material. A relatively soft but strong wood such as fir or pine is generally used, although my invention is not limited to any particular material. In FIG. 3 an enlarged view of one corner section 20 of the frame 10 is shown to more closely illustrate the novel connection of a longitudinal member 16 and an end member 17. This construction is, of course, the same on all of the corners of the frame 10.

All of the longitudinal members 15 and 16 and the transverse end frame members 17 and 18 are preferably cut from solid stock, and all of these members are formed with an L-shaped cross-section. The longitudinal member 17 shown in FIG. 5 is typical of all of the longitudinal and end frame members and has an L-shaped cross-section with a horizontal portion 21 integrally connected to a vertical ridge portion 22. Similarly, the connecting end member 16 has a horizontal portion 23 integrally connected to a vertically extending portion 24. As shown in FIG. 5, the height of the vertical portions (i.e. 22, 24) above the horizontal portions (i.e. 2.1, 23) on i all of the frame members 15-, 16, 17 and 18 is substanso that when connected the ridge members provide abuttially equalto the thickness of the horizontal portions 22, 23. One important feature of my invention is that the vertical portions 22 of the longitudinal members 15 and 16 extend upward in a direction opposite to the downwardly extending vertical portions 24 of the end frame members 17 and 13. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 2-5, the longitudinal members 15 and 16 are arranged so that their vertical ridge portions 22 extend upward and form integral retaining strips along the outer edges of the two longitudinal members 15 and 16. These strips or ridge portions 22 serve to strengthen the longitudinal members as well as to retain the slat members 19.

In assembling the continuous rectangular frame 10, the longitudinal members 15, 16 and the transverse end members 17, 18 are joined together at each corner connection =20 so that the horizontal portions 21 and 2 3 of the connecting frame members are joined together in flatwise engagement. Simultaneously, as shown in FIGS. 3'5, the end surface 25 of each horizontal portion 23 of each transverse end frame member 17 and 18 is positioned so that it abuts against the vertical ridge portion 2205 the adjoining longitudinal member 15, and the end surface 26 of each horizontal portion 21 of the longitudinal members 15 and 16 likewise abuts against a vertical portion 24 of the end transverse members 17 and 18.

With the longitudinal members 15 and 16 and the transverse frame members 17 and 18 positioned attheir ends 25 and 26 in the aforesaid abutting position they may be connected together by some suitable fastening means such as screws or nails. terial such as any of the well known epoxy type agents may also be utilized in lieu of nails or screws. Whatever fastening means is-applied, it is seen that my novel arrangement of frame elements provides unusual strength characteristics since the fastening means can beapplied not only between the vertical ridge members 22 and 24 and abutting horizontal portions 21 and 2310f adjoining frame members, as typified by fastening means 27, but also directly between facing horizontal portions 21 and 23 of adjoining longitudinal and end frame members as typified by fastening means 28.

To further strengthen the frame structure, the slats 19 are attached at their ends to the longitudinal members 15 and 16. The ends of each slat 19 are connected to the horizontal portion 21 of the longiutdinal members 17 and 18 by fastening means 29 and are also preferably abutted against the vertical portion 22 thereof and connected by a fastening means 30 at this point. Thus, the slats 19, being attached to both of these connecting surfaces on the longitudinal frame members 15 and 16 provide both shear and tension resisting connections. The slats 19 are spaced along the longitudinal members 15 and 16 and are fixed parallel to the end frame members 17 and 18 at any convenient spacing. Generally, seven slats are sufficient for a box spring mattress support of normal length.

The base frame constructed according to the principles of my invention has several distinct advantages, not only in the end result of a stronger, more rigid frame, but in the simplification of assembly and the economy of material. For example, in assembling the frame, the longitudinal members and 16 and the end frame members 17 and 18 are placed in facing engagement and pushed together until the ends 25 and 26 of each of these members are abutting against the vertical ridges 22 or 24 of-its adjoining member. This can be done quickly after the longitudinal and end frame members have been precut to the desired length and rounded off along their vertical ridge portions at each end as shown in FIG. 3. After the fastening means 27 and 28 have been applied to the rounded corners and the slats 19 have been installed, the frame 10 is complete and ready for installation of the coiled springs 11. If preferred, the rounding off of the corners 20 may be done after the frame members have been assembled.

Beds and mattresses are standardized in size, and there- A form of bonding ma-' fore frames for both single and double beds must have a standard overall width. My invention provides for a substantial saving in material over prior art structures because, as seen in FIG. 3, each outer frame member, i.e., 15 or 16, contributes the width of its vertical ridge portion, i.e., 22, 24, to the length of hte adjoining frame member to achieve the required overall dimension of the frame. For example, the width of the vertical ridge members 22 on the longitudinal side members 15 and 16 contribute to the overall frame width when added to the length of the end members 17 and 18, and similarly, the vertical ridge portions 24 of the end transverse members 17 and 18 contribute an amount of material which is included with the length of the longitudinal members 15 and 16 in obtaining the required overall frame length.

When the corners of the frame are rounded off, the only'waste material are the pieces 3-1, shown dotted in, in FIG. 3. Thus, compared with prior art frame constructions havingthe equal overall dimensions, the length of the material required for the end member 17, 18 and the longitudinal members 15 and .16 in the present invention has'been decreased. When considered in the light of large production quantities, this amounts to an important saving in material and contributes substantially to the reductiori'in unit cost per frame.-

While'l haveillustrated and described what I consider to'be the 'best means now known to me for carrying out my invention, I donot wish to be understood as restricting myself to the exact forms and construction shown as many'slight'changes therein or variations therefrom might suggest themselves to the ordinary mechanic, all of which would be clearly included in the limits and scope of my invention.

I claim:

1. A supporting base frame structure for a box spring assembly comprising: a pair of parallel, longitudinal side members; a pair of transverse end members, each said end member being attached at its'ends to the ends of said longitudinal members in an overlapping engagement to form a continuous'rectangular frame structure, each of said longitudinal and transverse members having a similar L-sha-p-ed cross-section including an extended horizontal portion and an integral vertical ridge portion, said longitudinal andt-ransverse members being arranged with the end faces of the horizontal portions on the'transverse end members abutting against the vertical ridge portions of the longitudinal members, and similarly, With the end faces of the horizontal portions on the longitudinal members abutting against the vertical ridge portions of the transverse end members; slat members arranged parallel to said end transverse members and spaced along said longitudinal members, said slat members abutting at their ends against the vertical ridge portion of said longitudinal members; and fastening means'connecting said end members and said slat members to said longitudinal members.

2; The frame structure described in claim 1 wherein the height of the said vertical ridge portions is substantially equal to the thickness of said horizontal portions on said longitudinal and transverse members.

3. The frame structure as described in claim 1 wherein the adjoining longitudinal and transverse members are shape-d at each corner of said frame structure with an outer vertical edge surface having a substantially constant curvature, said vertical edge surface including the line formed by the intersection of the planes of abutment of the respective vertical ridge portions and horizontal portions of the adjoining said longitudinal and transverse members.

4. A box springs mattress frame comprising: a pair of longitudinal frame members having a length less than the overall length of said frame when assembled; and a pair of transverse end frame members having a length less than the overall width of said frame when assembled; said longitudinal members and said transverse members tening means are provided to connect said longitudinal and transverse members to resist both shear and tension forces exerted on said frame.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Mace Oct. 27, Stickley Jan. 29, Pearce May 9, Johnson Feb. 20, 

1. A SUPPORTING BASE FRAME STRUCTURE FOR A BOX SPRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING: A PAIR OF PARALLEL, LONGITUDINAL SIDE MEMBERS; A PAIR OF TRANSVERSE END MEMBERS, EACH SAID END MEMBER BEING ATTACHED AT ITS ENDS TO THE ENDS OF SAID LONGITUDINAL MEMBERS IN AN OVERLAPPING ENGAGEMENT TO FORM A CONTINUOUS RECTANGULAR FRAME STRUCTURE, EACH OF SAID LONGITUDINAL AND TRANSVERSE MEMBERS HAVING A SIMILAR L-SHAPED CROSS-SECTION INCLUDING AN EXTENDED HORIZONTAL PORTION AND AN INTEGRAL VERTICAL RIDGE PORTION, SAID LONGITUDINAL AND TRANSVERSE MEMBERS BEING ARRANGED WITH THE END FACES OF THE HORIZONTAL PORTIONS ON THE TRANSVERSE END MEMBERS ABUTTING AGAINST THE VERTICAL RIDGE PORTIONS OF THE LONGITUDINAL MEMBERS, AND SIMILARLY, WITH THE END FACES OF THE HORIZONTAL PORTIONS ON THE LONGITUDINAL MEMBERS ABUTTING AGAINST THE VERTICAL RIDGE PORTIONS OF THE TRANSVERSE END MEMBERS; SLAT MEMBERS ARRANGED PARALLEL TO SAID END TRANSVERSE MEMBERS AND SPACED ALONG SAID LONGITUDINAL MEMBERS, SAID SLAT MEMBERS ABUTTING AT THEIR ENDS AGAINST THE VERTICAL RIDGE PORTION OF SAID LONGITUDINAL MEMBERS; AND FASTENING MEANS CONNECTING SAID END MEMBERS AND SAID SLAT MEMBERS TO SAID LONGITUDINAL MEMBERS. 